Wakefield Council’s shop fronts scheme help maintain older buildings

A Wakefield Council grants scheme which encourages shop landlords and tenants to invest in their buildings has resulted in 17 shops in Castleford having a fresh new look.

The scheme is aiming to improve the quality of shop fronts in older buildings. The funds are for structural works and for repairs to the outside of buildings, such as the roof and guttering.

The Council has made grants totaling £132,000, with an additional £243,000 invested with the support of the private sector.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Skills, at Wakefield Council, said: "I am very proud of this scheme, which is helping to preserve some of our older buildings. Having the new and improved shop fronts also makes the town centre more appealing and encourages people to come into the district."

The front of the market hall in Castleford has also been improved as part of the scheme.

The shops involved in the scheme are in Albion Street, Carlton Street and Sagar Street.

Under the terms of the scheme which has now closed people who received a grant also invested money to make improvements to their building.